WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former Vice President Dick Cheney was released from the hospital on Monday after receiving a new heart pump nearly a month ago, a statement from his office said.

"As he continues his recovery at home he and his family express their gratitude for the tremendous care he has received from the medical staff at Inova Fairfax and at George Washington University Hospital," the statement said.

"They also want to thank the many people who have reached out with letters and prayers and warm wishes."

Cheney, 69, who has had five heart attacks, said in mid-July he had the device implanted because he had experienced increasing congestive heart failure.

He received a left ventricular assist device, which is a small pump to improve heart function and is usually implanted only in patients with severe heart failure.